David Harbour’s latest project, the DTF series, explores the complexities of middle-aged relationships embroiled in deception and danger. Set in St. Louis and released on HBO Max, the show centers on a morally ambiguous love triangle sparked by a provocative dating app, compelling viewers to confront themes of desire, betrayal, and unforeseen consequences.
The series follows Floyd Smernitch, played by Harbour, a sign language interpreter who becomes entangled in a web of secrets alongside his wife Carol and her teenage son, Richard. The story’s tension escalates as the characters navigate strained friendships and illicit connections, ultimately reaching deadly outcomes.
Exploring Flawed Friendships and Hidden Lives
Floyd’s life takes an unexpected turn after he protects meteorologist Clark Forrest, played by Jason Bateman, during a storm report. This moment sparks a rare, genuine male friendship between the two, which grows amid the turmoil. Jason Bateman and Harbour’s onscreen chemistry stands out as an authentic portrayal of male bonding rarely depicted with such depth.
Right from the early discussions with Jason, I felt a camaraderie,
says Harbour.
He’s such a smart guy and so silly on one hand, but yet earnestly cares about what he does on the other. I just felt a camaraderie and a kind of fun with him.
—David Harbour, Actor
It’s hard as a 50-year-old heterosexual male to make new friends. I’ve found it hard. But I started to really just let my guard down,
Harbour explains about his evolving relationship with Bateman.
There was something on set where even that process of making a new friend in him or showing up or thinking, ‘I wonder what he thinks of me in the scene today?’ I would let those colours play on me as we played the scene. And it was a joy to do. I think the chemistry was very organic and I’m very pleased to see that it translates on screen so well,
he adds.
Bateman reciprocates these sentiments, noting the ease of their collaboration.
I have a lot of similar feelings about David and about how effortless the chemistry was. It’s just simply people skills. In any occupation, any work environment, it is a choice to have a connection with the people that you’re working with and so, when you’ve got people that aren’t jerks, it’s not tough,
he admits.
Creating a Suspense-Filled Exploration of Middle-Age Desperation
Steve Conrad, the series creator and showrunner, who also developed Patriot and wrote the movie Wonder, spent four years crafting DTF: St. Louis. The show delves into middle-age anxieties, with characters driven by longing and missteps in a seemingly quiet suburban setting. The timeline is set in 2018, when the “Down to Fuck” app offered a portal to reckless encounters with no apparent consequences.
We looked at some articles, and started to try to conceptualise something based on stuff that we had looked at together and then decided that we would have a stronger show, a more comprehensive set of things to say if we just started from scratch on it,
Conrad reveals.
And sites like this would promise all the excitement, none of the consequences. Married people could connect, cheat on their spouses and go home and resume their normal lives. And that promise just seemed not quite stable to me. So, I thought it would be a great place to start, and David and I agreed to make a series of suspenseful and tense events that might follow from grownups making mistakes and then trying to fix them, only to create greater mistakes, only to very serious desperation,
Conrad adds.
This canvas of emotional unrest is illustrated through a series of unexpected twists across the seven-part drama, where relationships unravel and new tensions surface, often with dangerous implications.
Carol’s Secretive Role Amid the Tumultuous Trio
Linda Cardellini embodies Carol, Floyd’s wife and the female anchor of the central trio, who adds complexity and mystery to the narrative. She describes the role as unlike anything she has encountered before, with layered emotions playing out non-linearly throughout the series.
Steve’s writing is so beautiful, but there’s a music to it. It was just so evident in reading it and loving his work and then loving David and Jason’s work I knew they were involved. And I thought, ‘well, you know, what a gift the role is’. I mean, she’s so complicated. I think you get to know the guys a little more easily than you get to know who Carol is – but there’s a lot to Carol that you only discover later,
Cardellini explains.
It felt a little dangerous and brave for me compared to other things that I’ve done. And to be in the company of this cast was a real gift. And then being on set every day, I have to say it just was a joy. So, all of those things, I just am so grateful for the whole experience,
she reflects.
Navigating Intimacy and Vulnerability in Uncharted Territory
Given the graphic nature of the show, particularly around sexual encounters, Jason Bateman discusses how the production handled intimate scenes with respect and care, easing any discomfort.
I haven’t done a ton of intimate scenes in my career, so I was definitely a little apprehensive about it all, but looking forward to the challenge,
Bateman admits.
He credits Steve Conrad for setting clear expectations and creating a safe environment on set. Bateman’s character is hesitant and new to exploring this risky side of life, which parallels the actor’s own experience and adds authenticity to the performance.
Bateman highlights the emotional exposure of the three central characters, describing them as vulnerable and awkward as they try to reshape their lives while surrounded by more guarded, cynical observers.
It’s not a titillating show, but it’s equal parts tragic and humorous, and that’s what compels you to just keep watching minute after another minute after another episode, because these people are just so bravely diving off into the void,
he explains.
David Harbour’s Vision for Binge-Worthy Television
David Harbour expresses his desire for DTF: St. Louis to provide viewers with a gripping and immersive experience akin to the binge culture surrounding his acclaimed Stranger Things role.
I wanna make great television – just truly enjoyable, pleasurable television. There’s something about sitting with your laptop, is kind of how I do it, in your bed with a group of characters for eight hours and just bingeing the hell out of it. That can be a truly pleasurable experience,
Harbour states.
The show’s combination of suspense, humor, and raw emotional exploration is designed to captivate audiences through its twists and character-driven storytelling, keeping viewers engaged episode after episode.
DTF: St. Louis – A Compelling New Addition to HBO Max Offerings
DTF: St. Louis offers a unique blend of dark comedy and suspense, focusing on the vulnerabilities of middle-aged adults caught in a tangle of infidelity and friendship. With a strong cast including Richard Jenkins and Joy Sunday in law enforcement roles, the series injects local flavor and additional layers of intrigue.
Its intricate portrayal of flawed characters confronting their deepest fears and desires promises to resonate deeply with viewers seeking intense, character-driven drama. The show’s release on HBO Max extends the platform’s diverse programming by offering bold storytelling wrapped in unexpected plot twists.
As the characters’ lives spiral over one transformative summer, the DTF series raises pressing questions about trust, the consequences of choices, and the fragile nature of human connection in an increasingly digital world.
